It’s
not surprising that Eddie Murphy performs in yet another film in which
his talent for playing multiple roles shines through in Norbit.
Strangely enough, I found audiences laughing away at the characters
that Murphy portrays in another hilarious, raucously silly film. Rick
Baker, who did the make-up effects for Norbit, helped produce the
ostentatious “fat suit technology” that made this film
cellulite personalities possible.
His performances earned Murphy the National Society of Film Critics’
Award for best actor in 1996.
Murphy received his first academy award nomination for his role in
Dreamgirls. Despite his success, Murphy’s role in Norbit, a
sensitive and at the same time extremely vulgar film is an offbeat
challenge for the actor.
Norbit starts with a flashback of an abandoned child named Norbit
(Eddie Murphy) who is raised by Mr. Wong, also played by Murphy, the
owner of a Chinese orphanage and take-out restaurant. Norbit, who
is bullied and taunted, is rescued by his only friend, Kate.
One day he’s saved by the big bully, Rasputia, who declares
them a couple, much to Norbit’s shock and displeasure. Many
years later, Norbit, seemingly overwhelmed with joy, marries Rasputia.
This provides the audience with a soft, tender moment.
I could feel Norbit’s agony, with his oversized Afro and boyish
grin, as he was trapped in a life of belittling and abuse, not very
different from that of his childhood.
Then, Kate (Thandie Newton) returns to their Tennessee hometown to
buy the orphanage where they grew up. Unfortunately, Kate has a boyfriend
(Cuba Gooding Jr.), and Rasputia isn’t about to let some little,
ditzy woman steal away her man-let. With a plot like this, you can
be certain Norbit will provide Jerry Springer-like cat fights and
excitement. For some reason people hunger for that kind of cruel,
offensive humor, even if it’s about us. It’s funnier watching
other people being made fun of. This film guarantees continuous laughter.
With Eddie Murphy’s talented acting performances and Rick Baker’s
special make-up effects, this movie is extremely compelling.
Others might find this movie offensive and repulsive, but keep in
mind it’s just a movie. Norbit is rated PG-13 for crude and
sexual humor, some nudity and foul language.
Still, so far in the U.S. box office it has earned $62,011,840.
